Resources for Parents

For parents of children:

A delightful book that shares principles the authors discovered while raising their own children. They believe faith formation is not something we teach our kids but something that is learned together as a family. Family Resource Articles at the end of the book provide helpful and practical ways to include God in our everyday family lives (i.e. "Getting to Know You": A Family Game).

One of my favorite books! Cheri Fuller explains that as children grow, there are windows of opportunity when they are most open to learning about God. If we make the most of these times, we can help raise children who enjoy, love, follow and serve God. Each chapter is filled with practical ideas for making the most of each window of opportunity.

This book is FILLED with practical information and helpful resources for parents on “How to Pass on Your Spiritual Legacy” including a blueprint for designing “Your Family Portrait,” a step by step plan unique to their family. This plan may include family nights and family devotions, but also encourages mealtime, drive time, teachable moments, and holidays to impart spiritual truths to children in fun and exciting ways.

For Parents of Teens:

Wayne Hastings writes to encourage parents in the midst of the fray to respond with trust instead of fear as they raise their kids. As we trust the Lord to help us, He meets us where we are and directs us with His wisdom. As we love and listen to our children and take the time to know and understand them, we can help prepare them for adulthood that lies before them.

Growth spurts, hormones rage, and insecurities simmer and suddenly their precious child becomes a stranger they hardly recognize. It doesn't have to be this way. Rice and Veerman affirm that parents remain the most important people in the lives of teenagers throughout adolescence. Part I paints a picture of our teens’ world and their developing values and beliefs. Part II gives principles to continue to build a close relationship with our kids and prepare them for the road ahead.

White, Joe, and Jim Weidmann. Parent's Guide to the Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. Focus on the Family. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

This book builds upon the Spiritual Growth of Children (see above) that helps parents prepare for spiritually leading children during their teen years. Focus is given to walking alongside teens, building strong parent-teen relationships, succeeding in conflict-causing issues, discipling for lasting spiritual impact, and building a passion in teens to be wholehearted disciples.

TOP PICK! Solid, biblical resources by Heritage Builders and Jim Wideman, the “Family Nights Guy.” These books provide lessons, activities, and tips as a guide for parents in teaching their children in fun, creative, and simple ways.

Dr. Jerry Lawrence has over 19 years experience developing and overseeing children’s ministry departments in small, medium and large churches. She earned her MA and DMin degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary where she currently teaches children’s ministry courses.
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